EARLY Christmas gifts were delivered to both the Victoria Hospital children's ward and Fife Women's Aid thanks to a big-hearted group of ex- and current workers from Rosyth Dockyard.

Members of the Once A Dockie Always a Dockie (OADAAD) Facebook group managed to raise a total of £2,700 which they shared between the two causes.

One of the organisers, Ricky Tinto, explained: "Some time ago, I was watching a programme about kids at Christmas. One bit was about children in hospital and the other part of it was the children in refuges. To be honest, it would have broken your heart.

"I started this OADAAD and I said I wonder if the boys and girls would be interested in helping. I put it on the site about starting a Christmas appeal and let's see how much we can get.

"We have got a close-knit community and I knew the people and what response there would be. Several people have already said to me what about next year? It was a single idea that came from a TV programme. I just thought, let's see if we can make a child smile this Christmas."

Money raised was used to buy items including toys, pyjamas and selection boxes for the hospital while cash was handed over to Fife Women's Aid which will be used for Christmas gifts and treats for youngsters they are helping.